Marianne Martinez
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. With a simple seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, you can have moist and tender salmon with a flaky centre in under 10 minutes. The air fryer's high-powered convection cooking crisps the outside without drying it out, and there's no need to add oil or flip the salmon while cooking. You can also experiment with different seasonings and glazes, such as Cajun, garlic herb, maple Dijon, or teriyaki, to keep this recipe fresh and exciting.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Salmon
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 6-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 360°F - 400°F |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, oregano, thyme, maple syrup, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, hot honey, Dijon mustard, honey, chili sauce, soy sauce |
| Sides | Rice, green beans, salad, tacos, bagel with cream cheese, quinoa, vegetables, potatoes, asparagus, sweet potatoes, instant pot fluffy rice, brussels sprouts |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months |
| Skin | Skin-on or skinless, cook skin-side down |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning options: paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, herbs, and spices
When it comes to seasoning salmon to cook in an air fryer, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or get creative with herbs and spices. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Paprika: A little paprika will give your salmon a nice colour and a subtle smoky flavour. If you want to enhance that smoky taste, you can use smoked paprika instead. This pairs well with garlic powder and salt and pepper for a simple yet effective seasoning.
Garlic: Using garlic powder, rather than fresh garlic, will ensure that it doesn't burn in the air fryer. It adds a savoury kick to your salmon and works well with paprika, salt and pepper. You can also use garlic granules, which will give a slightly milder flavour.
Salt and Pepper: These two seasonings are simple but essential. They provide a base flavour for your salmon and can be used in conjunction with any other seasonings you choose. Just be mindful of the salt content in any seasoning blends you use, and adjust the amount of salt you add accordingly.
Herbs: Adding dried herbs like oregano and thyme will give your salmon a delicious herby twist. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also be used to serve, adding a burst of flavour to your dish.
Spices: For a spicy kick, try using Cajun seasoning, or a spice blend of your choice. You could also add some heat with hot honey, drizzled over the salmon after cooking.
Other seasonings to consider include brown sugar or honey, which will give your salmon a sweet glaze, and dijon mustard, which adds a tangy flavour and helps to keep the fish moist.
You can also experiment with different sauces and marinades, such as sweet chilli sauce, honey soy sauce, or a soy/mustard mixture.
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Olive oil: how much to use and when to add it
Olive oil is a key ingredient when cooking salmon in an air fryer, helping the seasoning stick to the fish and preventing it from drying out. It also helps to prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket.
When using olive oil to cook salmon in an air fryer, it is important to use it sparingly. A little olive oil goes a long way, and too much can make the salmon greasy. A quick spray or a light rub of olive oil on the salmon fillets should be enough.
You should add the olive oil to the salmon fillets before adding the seasoning. This will help the seasoning stick to the fish and create an even coating. You can add the olive oil by placing the salmon fillets in a small bowl and mixing them with the oil, or by rubbing the oil onto the fillets with your hands.
If you are using foil or parchment paper in the air fryer basket, you may also want to add a small amount of olive oil to the foil or paper to prevent the salmon from sticking.
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Cooking time: how long to cook the salmon for
The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking salmon in an air fryer for 6 to 11 minutes. However, some sources suggest a cooking time of 7 to 10 minutes, or even as little as 6 minutes for 6-ounce fillets. It's important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the make and model of the air fryer being used.
When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook the salmon skin-side down. This helps protect the fish and results in crispy skin. If the salmon has been seasoned, it is also important to ensure that the skin does not stick to the air fryer, as this can affect the taste and texture of the final dish. To prevent sticking, it is recommended to grease the air fryer basket or use a piece of foil or parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer.
The size and thickness of the salmon fillets will impact the cooking time. For larger or thicker fillets, it may be necessary to cook the salmon for longer, checking the doneness after the initial cooking time and adding 1-2 minute blasts as needed until the salmon is cooked to the desired level. It is important to note that salmon should not be overcrowded in the air fryer basket as this can affect the texture of the final dish. If cooking for a larger group, it may be necessary to cook the salmon in batches.
To check if the salmon is cooked, it is recommended to use a fork to flake the salmon gently. If the salmon is cooked, it should flake easily and have a tender, flaky center. For more accuracy, an instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon. According to the FDA, salmon is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. However, for moist and flaky salmon, it is recommended to remove the salmon from the air fryer around 135°F and let it rest, as the residual heat will continue to cook the salmon to the desired temperature.
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Temperature: the ideal temperature to cook salmon at
The ideal temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the crispier the edges of the salmon will be. For example, at 390°F, you can get crispy edges and a tender, flaky center. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will also depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets. For thicker fillets, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is best to cook the salmon with the skin on. This helps the fish hold together and makes it easier to serve. The skin also crisps up, adding a crunchy texture to the dish. If desired, guests can easily peel away the skin after cooking, as the salmon will flake off with a fork.
To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cook only two salmon fillets at a time in the air fryer. Overcrowding the basket can affect the overall texture of the salmon. Additionally, there is no need to flip the salmon during cooking, as the air fryer's constant heat circulation will cook the fish evenly on both sides.
To check if the salmon is done, you can use an instant-read thermometer. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. However, for moist and flaky salmon, it is recommended to remove it from the air fryer around 135°F and let it rest, as the residual heat will bring it to the final temperature.
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Sides and sauces: what to serve with the salmon
When it comes to sides and sauces to serve with your air-fried salmon, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Sides
- Rice: White rice, cilantro-lime rice, or even risotto are all great options to accompany the salmon.
- Potatoes: Smashed potatoes, roasted potatoes with Parmesan, or sweet potato fries are delicious and filling sides.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, grilled squash, or steamed broccoli with a garlic-lemon sauce are healthy and tasty choices. You could also try pickled cucumbers and chives, or a simple salad.
- Grains: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a simple bread roll are great options to round out the meal.
Sauces
- Lemon: A classic pairing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over your salmon is always a good idea.
- Tartar sauce: Another traditional option, tartar sauce, is a great choice and goes well with the fish.
- Mustard: Try a honey mustard sauce, or a Dijon mustard sauce, for a little kick of spice and a unique flavour.
- Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, go for a hot sauce or a spicy honey drizzle.
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Frequently asked questions
You can season salmon with a variety of spices and herbs. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a popular choice. You can also try other seasonings like Cajun, garlic herb, maple Dijon, or teriyaki glaze. Don't forget to pat the salmon dry before adding the seasoning to help it crisp up.
Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. The cooking time depends on the thickness and size of your salmon fillets, but generally, it takes around 6-11 minutes for 6-ounce fillets. Cook the salmon skin-side down and check for doneness with a fork.
It is recommended to cook salmon with the skin on to help hold the fish together and keep it moist. You can also line your air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Don't overcrowd the basket, and cook the salmon in batches if needed.
